That tennis passion helped Hill to become a well-developed player even before he started his high school career, according to Ponte Vedra coach Weller Evans.

But Evans said that Hill’s athleticism sets him apart from the pack.

“Hank is a very gifted athlete and one of the fastest players I have ever coached,” he said.

He compares Hill’s style to that of French professional Gael Monfils, known for his athletic prowess in escaping from even the most testing positions.

The 2014 season brought a new challenge for Hill as he became a leader on a Sharks squad that had lost the rest of its first-string lineup to graduation.

“Our whole starting five from last year were seniors, aside from myself, so this was pretty much a new team,” he said.

He was able to benefit from the example of previous Sharks teammates like 2012 Times-Union player of the year Casey Austgen, now a freshman at Rollins College.

The Sharks advanced to the Class 3A regional final before their season ended against a Matanzas squad led by Davey Roberts, the top-seeded player in the state.

Hill gave plenty of credit to Evans, saying that “nothing could have been possible” without his coach.

“He keeps us together. He’s very kind-hearted, and he teaches us to be men,” he said.

Now, Hill has one more year to help lead the Sharks as they pursue another state finals appearance.

“Hopefully as Hank heads into the final year of his high school career, his extra hard work and dedication as the best player on the Ponte Vedra team will inspire the rest of the squad to do the same,” Evans said.

Evans said that Hill’s key to success at the next level will be taking advantage of his speed and hard forehand shot to put opponents away efficiently.

Hill is looking forward to his senior year and the possibility of going one step further than the Sharks regional final appearance this year.

After that, he already has his eyes on continuing his tennis career beyond Ponte Vedra.

“I’m definitely going to be playing college tennis, and then see whatever opportunities present themselves,” he said.